Visor assembly

ABSTRACT

A visor assembly that is configured to be secured to a tactical helmet wherein the visor assembly includes a visor operable to shield a face of a wearer of the tactical helmet. The visor assembly include a visor body wherein the visor body includes a front end and a rear end. The visor body has a shape that is defined by perimeter edges wherein the perimeter edges are contiguous. The visor body has integrally formed therein a central attachment member. The central attachment member includes elements that provide releasable securing of the visor body to the helmet. In a preferred embodiment, a mounting shroud is present on the helmet and wherein the mounting shroud is configured to engage elements on the central attachment member so as to facilitate the operable coupling of the visor body to the mounting shroud.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to helmet accessories, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a tactical helmet accessory that is configured to be releasably secured to a tactical helmet wherein the accessory of the present invention is configured to provide protection for the face of a wearer of a tactical or similar style helmet.

BACKGROUND

Helmets of many styles are worn by users of various professions and the overall objective of the helmet is protection of the head of the wearer. One style of helmet that is utilized by millions of individuals is a tactical helmet. As is known in the art, tactical helmets are worn by those in the military, law enforcement and police. These styles of helmets are designed to provide head protection for the extreme conditions that the aforementioned individuals are subjected to as part of the tasks and/or responsibilities that the individuals must complete. While styles of tactical helmets vary, most are conventional bucket style wherein the helmet does not have any protrusions and in particular protrusions in the front that are configured to provide sun protection for the wearer.

Many tactical helmets are configured with either integral or attached mounting shrouds. These mounting shrouds are secured to the front of the tactical helmet generally over the wearer's forehead. While various styles of mounting shrouds are available, one exemplary model is the Wilcox 14 shroud. The aforementioned shroud and other models are configured to have secured thereto various accessories for individuals that are involved in the various activities that require a tactical helmet. The mounting shrouds are configured to have releasably secured thereto accessories such as but not limited to night vision goggles.

Accordingly, there is a need for a visor assembly that includes a visor and mounting shroud that is operably secured to a tactical helmet wherein the visor is releasably secured and utilized to provide sun exposure protection for a wearer of a tactical helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a tactical helmet visor assembly that is operable to provide protection for a wearer from sun and/or other elements wherein the visor assembly is secured to the front area of the tactical helmet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a visor assembly for a tactical helmet wherein the visor is configured so as to be secured and released with a single hand of a wearer of a tactical helmet.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tactical helmet visor assembly that is operable to provide protection for a wearer from sun and/or other elements wherein the visor of the visor assembly includes a central attachment member that is configured to mateably engage a portion of a mounting shroud secured to the helmet.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a visor assembly for a tactical helmet wherein the attachment member of the visor further includes upper and lower lip members that are configured to ensure engagement with a portion of the mounting shroud.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tactical helmet visor assembly that is operable to provide protection for a wearer from sun and/or other elements wherein the visor of the visor assembly can further include additional accessories such as but not limited to lights.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a visor assembly for a tactical helmet wherein the visor can me secured to an existing shroud or wherein the present invention can include a mounting shroud that is included with the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tactical helmet visor assembly that is operable to provide protection for a wearer from sun and/or other elements wherein the visor is manufactured from a rigid lightweight material.

An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a visor assembly for a tactical helmet wherein the visor is configured to be releasably secured for storage thereof to a garment or other apparatus being worn by a wearer of the tactical helmet

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a tactical helmet visor assembly that is operable to provide protection for a wearer from sun and/or other elements wherein the visor could extend outward from the front of the tactical helmet in varying lengths.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary mounting shroud of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the central attachment member of the visor body of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a visor assembly 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the visor assembly 100 includes visor body 10 wherein the visor body 10 is manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to plastic. The visor body 10 includes an upper surface 11 and lower surface 12. The shape of the visor body 10 is defined by the left perimeter edge 15, right perimeter edge 17 and front perimeter edge 19 wherein the aforementioned edges are contiguous and provide service to define the shape of the visor body 10. The visor body 10 is tapered in shape intermediate the rear end 20 and front end 25 wherein the width of the visor body 10 proximate the front end 25 is less than that of the width visor body 10 proximate the rear end 20. While the aforementioned tapered shape of the visor body 10 is a preferred embodiment, it is contemplated within the scope of the present that the visor body 10 could be formed in alternate shapes in addition to the shape disclosed and discussed herein. Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that alternate shapes of the visor body 10 could result in varying quantities of perimeter edges defining the shape thereof.

Integrally formed within the visor body 10 is a central attachment member 30. The central attachment member 30 functions to provide releasable securing of the visor body 10 to the mounting shroud 40 wherein the mounting shroud 40 is secured to the front area 98 of exemplary helmet 99. The central attachment member 30 is contiguous with the visor body 10 forming a part thereof. Referring in particular to FIG. 4 submitted herewith, a cross-sectional view of the central attachment member 30 is illustrated therein. The central attachment member 30 includes a first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 that are perpendicular to the upper surface 11 and lower surface 12 respectively of the visor body 10. As will be further discussed herein, the first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 provide a technique to releasably secure the visor body 10 to the mounting shroud 40. The visor body 10, and as such the central attachment member 30 are manufactured from a material that provides a small amount of movement when subjected to biasing force in a certain direction. The first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 are moved inwards toward center 39 upon a user applying a force to the upper surface 11 and lower surface 12 proximate the rear end 20 wherein the users hands are generally positioned on or proximate the central attachment member 30. The inward movement of the first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 allows the first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 to be operably coupled to the first recess 60 and second recess 70 of the mounting shroud 40. While a first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 are illustrated and discussed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the central attachment member 30 could be provided with alternate elements in order to facilitate the releasable securing of the visor body 10.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 2 submitted herewith, the mounting shroud 40 is illustrated therein. The mounting shroud 40 is configured to be secured to the exemplary helmet 99 utilizing fasteners 90. The mounting shroud 40 is manufactured from a durable rigid material such as but not limited to plastic. The mounting shroud 40 includes central portion 42 that is configured to mateably couple with the central attachment member 30 of the visor body 10. The central portion 42 is bordered on the upper and lower ends thereof with the first recess 60 and second recess 70. The first recess 60 and second recess 70 include voids 61,71 that are of suitable size and shape to accommodate a portion of the first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 therein respectively. Ensuing insertion of the first lip member 32 into the first recess 60 and the second lip member 34 into the second recess 70 the visor body 10 is releasably secured to the helmet 99. While the structure of the first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 is disclosed herein as being operable to facilitate the securing of the visor body 10 to the mounting shroud 40, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the visor body 10 could be configured with alternate elements that are configured to provide releasable securing of the visor body 10 to the mounting shroud 40. Furthermore, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the visor body 10 could be configured to releasably secure a portion of the helmet 99 so as to eliminate the requirement for the mounting shroud 40. Additionally, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the while the first lip member 32 and second lip member 34 are illustrated and discussed herein as being configured to releasably secure the visor body 10 to the mounting shroud 40 that alternate elements either in conjunction with or in place thereof could be utilized to releasably secure the visor body 10.

While not illustrated in particular herein, it is contemplated that the visor body 10 could be provided with various accessories. By way of example but not limitation, the visor body 10 could be provided with lights.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A visor assembly that is configured to be releasably secured to a helmet wherein the visor assembly comprises: a visor body, said visor body having an upper surface and a lower surface, said visor body having a front end and a rear end, said visor body having at least one perimeter edge configured to define a shape of the visor body, said visor body having a central attachment member, said central attachment member being contiguously formed with said visor body; and wherein said central attachment member is configured to releasably secure to a portion of the helmet so as to provide securing of the visor assembly.
 2. The visor assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said central attachment member further includes a keeper, said keeper being configured to facilitate releasable securing of the visor body to the helmet.
 3. The visor assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said central attachment member extends between said front end of said visor body and said rear end of said body.
 4. The visor assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein said central attachment member is centrally located on said visor body.
 5. A visor assembly that is configured to be releasably secured to a helmet so as to shield a face of a wearer of the helmet wherein the visor assembly comprises: a visor body, said visor body having an upper surface and a lower surface, said visor body having a front end and a rear end, said visor body having a left perimeter edge, a right perimeter edge and a front perimeter edge being contiguously formed so as to define a shape of the visor body; a central attachment member, said central attachment member being contiguously formed with said visor body, said central attachment member having a first end and a second end; said second end of said central attachment member being configured to releasably secure the visor body to the helmet.
 6. The visor assembly as recited in claim 5, and further including a mounting shroud, said mounting shroud being operably secured to a front area of the helmet.
 7. The visor assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein the central attachment member further includes a first lip member and a second lip member, said first lip member and said second lip member being perpendicular to said central attachment member, said first lip member and said second lip member being operable to engage a portion of the mounting shroud.
 8. The visor assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the mounting shroud includes a first recess and a second recess, said first recess and said second recess configured to receive a portion of said first lip member and said second lip member therein.
 9. The visor assembly as recited in claim 8, wherein said central attachment member is movable in an inwards and outwards direction upon subjection to pressure so as to facilitate engagement of the first lip member and second lip member with the first recess and second recess.
 10. A visor assembly that is configured to be releasably secured to a helmet so as to shield a face of a wearer of the helmet wherein the visor assembly comprises: a visor body, said visor body having an upper surface and a lower surface, said visor body having a front end and a rear end, said visor body having a left perimeter edge, a right perimeter edge and a front perimeter edge being contiguously formed so as to define a shape of the visor body; a mounting shroud, said mounting shroud being operably secured to a front area of the helmet, said mounting shroud having a central portion, said central portion having a first recess and a second recess, said first recess and said second recess being opposedly located on said central portion of said mounting shroud; a central attachment member, said central attachment member being contiguously formed with said visor body, said central attachment member having a first end and a second end; wherein the central attachment member further includes a first lip member and a second lip member, said first lip member and said second lip member being perpendicular to said central attachment member, said first lip member and said second lip member being operable to engage said first recess and said second recess of said central portion of said central attachment member. 